Sharon Joyce-Neuharth

Eureka, SD-Sharon Colleen Joyce-Neuharth, 87, of Eureka died peacefully in Eureka, SD on September 8, 2021.

Sharon was born July 3, 1934, in Webster, SD to Allan “Babe” and Cleo (Robison) Joyce. Cleo passed away when Sharon was an infant. Babe married Cleo’s sister, Millie (Robison) who raised Sharon as her own. Sharon grew up in Faith, SD, Mobridge, SD and Rapid City, SD. She attended high school in Rapid City graduating with the class of 1952.   

She earned her BA degree in Occupational Therapy from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Special Education from New Mexico Highlands University. Sharon raised three children while living in New Mexico. She was a preschool, kindergarten and first grade teacher while in Santa Fe. Later, she was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Taos, NM. She applied for a transfer that brought her back to her home state of South Dakota in 1977, where she worked on the Pine Ridge Reservation and later in Aberdeen as an Educational Resource Director. Sharon met Cal Neuharth and they were united in marriage on December 26, 1987, in Aberdeen. They moved to Eureka in 1990. She was a gifted teacher and occupational therapist. She touched the lives of many families. She continued working with children through Occupational Therapy in area schools and the Mobridge Regional Hospital until her retirement in 2010.

Sharon was a devoted wife and mother. She always made a house a home. Sharon loved pets, gardening, cooking and most of all, photography. Her home is filled with her own photography.

Sharon is survived by her husband, Cal Neuharth of Eureka; children, Tamara Mott, Valli West and Joe West; step-children, Lance Neuharth and Lori Sayler; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allan “Babe” and Millie Joyce.

Sharon’s Memorial Service will be 11:30 am, October 10, 2021 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Eureka with fellowship following the service at the church. Inurnment will be 1:00 pm, October 11, 2021 in Faith Cemetery.

There will also be a celebration of life in Santa Fe with her New Mexico family and friends at a later date.

Carlsen Funeral Home of Eureka has been entrusted with arrangements.  

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